Since 1990, surveys have been conducted of horseshoe crabs spawning in Delaware Bay. The data collected by volunteers during these surveys is key for scientists to monitor changes in numbers of spawning crabs in the Bay. Now, every spring on several peak spawning days, volunteers donate their time to count crabs on key beaches in Delaware and in New Jersey. Delaware’s well-trained and enthusiastic volunteers have made this program one of the most successful volunteer based wildlife surveys in the country.
The Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve coordinates the survey on three Delaware Bay beaches each spring (Kitts Hummock, Ted Harvey Wildlife Area, North Bowers Beach). Planning for the Annual Baywide Horseshoe Crab Spawning Survey begins in March of each year.
Training for volunteers for the 2010 Horseshoe Crab Spawning Survey will take place in April 2010...check back for details!
For general information about the Horseshoe Crab spawning surveys, or to assist with one of the other beaches, please visit the main Delaware Bay Horseshoe Crab Spawning Survey web site.
